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Hymn day: ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’

HYMN DAY! “I’d Rather Have Jesus” by either Rhea Miller (American hymnals credit her) or Oscar C. A. Bernadotte, a Swedish prince who forfeited his chance for the crown to marry a commoner who led him to Christ. Either way, it’s a beautiful hymn of surrender.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead